First Aid

Last year, while out running errands, I came upon a car crash that had happened only moments before my arrival. The two cars involved were in the middle of a busy road. Almost instantly there were onlookers along the side of the road. Much to my surprise these folks, rather than rushing to help, were busying themselves taking cell phone pictures of the now smoking cars. I have to admit that it was the sight of the onlookers rather than the crash that inspired me to act. I parked my truck out of the way and ran to the scene.

I noticed that there were still people in the cars as I approached. With both vehicles smoking heavily, my concern for the people inside greatly increased. Upon closer inspection the smoke was coming from the discharged airbags. After helping open one of the car doors I found myself asking, “what next”? Everyone appeared to be ok, though considerably shaken up. It was clear that the airbags had saved everyone in both vehicles. The cars were not on fire and I could hear sirens in the distance. A fairly happy ending considering the situation.

As I went back to my truck I became quite angry with myself. I was embarrassed that I had no idea on how to help anyone. Sure I had the guts to run out there but then what? Am I just an up-close onlooker? My ignorance was unacceptable and I had to take action.

The first chance I got I signed up for a first aid class through the American Red Cross. I did not have any prior first aid training and I was excited to learn. The class was small and there were only two of us that were there on our own accord, as opposed to job requirements. We took an entire morning and afternoon to discuss and practice the fine art of first aid. At the end of the day I left with 2-year certifications for first aid, AED, and CPR. A tedious job requirement for some but a real achievement for me.

I hope there is no “next time” but when it comes, I will be ready.

Debris!

The screeching sound of the Emergency Alert System can invoke a wide range of emotions. In the Midwest where severe weather is common, I imagine most responses are of concern or fear. During the Spring and Summer months we are at risk for tornados and severe thunderstorms and during Winter there is the possibility of blizzard conditions. Concern and fear are not unwarranted as these storms can be lethal in addition to causing millions of dollars in property damage. For me however, the sounding of the EAS sparks a feeling of excitement which flows through me like electricity.
Growing up in Tornado Alley is no doubt the cause of my fascination with weather. Hearing the haunting sound of a tornado siren followed by a hustle to the basement is a familiar experience for any Iowan. However I have always been much too curious (and stupid) to just sit in the basement and wait out a storm. If one of nature’s most destructive phenomenon is coming to climax just outside my window, I have to look. I suspect that many Midwesterners would call me naive, particularly anyone who has lost property or even loved ones to a storm. I am naive to an extent; I have never been harmed by or lost anyone to a tornado and the only property loss has been a few bits of siding and shingles. I understand the risks but severe weather gives me a thrill complete with sweaty palms. Some people need to jump out of a plane to get their blood flowing, all I have to do is keep and eye on the sky and have patience.
Perhaps I should have studied to be a meteorologist. The barrier for me is the amount of mathematics involved in studying weather. I am far more right brained than left and just passing calculus was quite the achievement for me. Though meteorology is not a career path for me I still had a desire to be more involved than just looking out the window.
A couple of years ago I received an email from one of the university departments. It was an offer for weather spotter training on campus. Being a spotter had not occurred to me until then and I immediately signed up. Unfortunately I was unable to make it to the training, disappointed, I told myself I would sign up next year. Time has a funny way of slipping by when you are not paying attention and another year passed. It was not until this year that I was finally able to fulfill my promise to myself.
I studied any online material I could get through NOAA during the weeks leading up to the training session. I arrived 40 minutes early just to be sure I would not miss it. Attending the session were construction workers, professors, a few students, and one ham radio operator. I have never been so excited to see a cheesy power point presentation. At the end of the training a sign up for weather spotter volunteers was passed around and I eagerly signed.
I am now an official weather geek and have my Skywarn spotter number! My number makes me a bit more credible in the eyes of the National Weather Service. Now instead of just gazing out the window I can actively participate in keeping my community safe. In addition to spotting at home I can chase! Actually anyone with a car can chase but now I feel like I have a little more reason to be out there. I am willing to drive most anywhere in the state if I get the opportunity to see a tornado. Am I crazy? Absolutely.
My eyes have been on the sky all of my life. Starting this year I will have my phone in hand ready to keep my community safe. I need a cape!

I heart xkcd!